EVERLAST [EXO Baekhyun]

CHAPTER 13 - ADDICTED

        Baekhyun felt more passion for Rona each passing day. Speaking of, two days had passed. They managed to find another river, but this one was the farthest away from the beach as they could get. It wasn't the one near the center of the island, the one they went to last time. This one was smaller, and there were little signs of wildlife around. They were hydrated, but starvation would catch up with them eventually. Baekhyun prayed it wouldn't come to that.

His mind often replayed words his best friend told him before the trip. Be safe. Those two words were iconic for Chanyeol. The man would say them whenever Baekhyun so much as drove down the street. His desire to see Chanyeol shot through the roof. Baekhyun would do anything to see one last eye smile. Or maybe he'd do anything for one last hug. Chanyeol was known for his hugs. They made Baekhyun feel safe. At home. Chanyeol was his home, and now he was worrying the shit out of that man.

Of course, it didn't help that the island had dangerous fauna and a tribe probably hunting them. Well, that wasn't true. That tribe most likely knew the ins and outs of this place. They would've found them by now. Baekhyun was guessing they were waiting by the beach still, hoping for a rescue. Baekhyun again prayed they wouldn't have to fight for a spot on the boat, or helicopter, or plane, or whatever the fuck else came to get them.

Rona was sitting across from him, and his thoughts were interrupted by a soft groan from her. She was in immense pain from cramps, which was nothing new. She had her face scrunched up, the dimness of the night sky cloaking her in a light that made her seem ethereal. Dammit, Baekhyun was falling for her already. He pondered if she returned those feelings. It was hard to believe considering her personality, but Rona also inspired him to continue his optimist ways. So that was what he did.

She stared up at the sky she adored so much, Baekhyun watching her side profile the entire time. No eye contact was made. She kept her gaze in one direction, either not noticing Baekhyun's wandering eyes, or not having the energy to match it. He didn't care no matter what the answer was. Rona was as mentally drained as him, if not more because of her period. Baekhyun didn't need sappy eye contact and hugs and kisses. But he did need to talk. He needed a release from this feeling festering inside the pits of his core. And there was one way to do it.

"I miss Chanyeol," Baekhyun said, garnering Rona's attention. She shifted her glance to him, and the eye contact he didn't think he needed was made. All at once, it felt as though the mucky terrain fell out from underneath him. The scariest part was he was fine with that. "He's my best friend for life. He made me promise him to come home safely. Not just this trip, but every trip I take. Even just a drive to the store. Chanyeol's one of those people who'd put the health of a mouse who bit him over himself."

"So a sweetheart?" she asked, a hint of amusement mixed with admiration in her tone.

"Yeah, a sweetheart. He's the greatest guy I know, and a lot of my personality comes from him. I wish I could describe him in a better way, I don't think I'm doing him much justice."

"No actually, I think you're doing a great job."

He didn't believe her, but he also didn't have the energy to protest either. So he opted to shut his mouth, peeping up at the sky Rona was just staring at. There was one topic on his mind that was eating him up inside. One topic that had his mind fuzzing and his heart pumping blood to, quite frankly, all the wrong areas. Yeah, that was a terrible thought, but he couldn't stop any of his thoughts now. And he needed a release from all the guilt inside him as well as a way to show how much he cared for Rona. The blood soaring through his veins told him one thing while his head- wait, sorry: mind, told him another.

"Hey Rona?" She hummed, picking her head up at the sudden noise. "Um, I'm not sure how to say it without sounding awkward."

"Well, I can't really read your mind as much as I want to."